As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ACCESSThe physical access of property to a publicly dedicated street not including lot frontages that abut a highway but have no driveway affording physical access to such highway.
ACCESS DRIVEA privately owned, constructed and maintained surface providing vehicular access to and between parking areas for two or more parking spaces within a land development or any drive servicing one or more units of occupancy on a single lot.
ACCESSORY STRUCTUREA building or structure that is on the same lot with, but detached from, the principal building and that is customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal building, including but not limited to private garages, storage sheds, swimming pools and the like.
ACCESSORY USEA use of property on the same lot with, and of a nature customarily incidental and subordinate to, in terms of size, intent, and/or purpose, the principal use of the property, and that does not alter or change the character of the property.
ADEQUATE COVERAGECoverage is considered to be adequate within that area surrounding a wireless telecommunication facility where the predicted or measured median field strength of transmittal signal is greater than or equal to -95dbm for at least 75% of the intended coverage area. It is acceptable for there to be holes within the area of adequate coverage where the signal is less than -95dbm, as long as the signal regains its strength to greater than or equal to -95dbm further away from the wireless telecommunication facility. For the limited purpose of determining whether the use of a repeater is necessary or desirable, there shall be deemed not to be adequate coverage within said holes. The outer boundary of the area of adequate coverage, however, is that location past which the signal does not regain strength of greater than or equal to -95dbm.
ADJACENTImmediately adjoining; sharing common property lines uninterrupted by any public street, railroad or other right-of-way.
AISLEThat portion of the off-street parking and loading area that provides access to parking, queuing or loading spaces, exclusive of driveways and parking and loading spaces.
ALLEYA public or private right-of-way that has a width of 15 feet or less and that is designed to provide secondary access to a lot or lots.
ANIMAL, DANGEROUS(1) Any mammal, amphibian, fish, reptile, or fowl of a species, insect or arachnid that, due to size, vicious nature, or other characteristics, would constitute a danger to the physical well-being of human life or animals.
(2) Any animal having a known disposition or propensity to attack, bite, or injure any person or animal without provocation. Where the official records of an Animal Control Officer, Borough Clerk, Police Department, or Clerk of the Municipal Court indicate that an animal has bitten or attacked any person or animal, it shall be prima facie evidence that said animal is a dangerous animal.
(3) Any animal owned or kept primarily or in part for the purpose of fighting or any animal trained or bred for fighting.
(4) Any animal that is urged by its owner or keeper to attack, or whose owner or keeper threatens to cause such animal to attack any law enforcement officer while such officer is engaged in the performance of official duty and when such animal has the apparent ability to cause injury or harm to such officer.
ANIMAL, HOUSEHOLD PETAnimals that are customarily kept for the personal use or enjoyment within the home. "Household pets" includes but shall not be limited to domestic dogs, domestic cats, domestic birds, fish and rodents.
ANTENNAAny exterior apparatus (including an antenna dish) used for transmitting and receiving, mounted on a tower, antenna tower, antenna tower alternative structure, building or structure and used in personal wireless services.
ANTENNA SUPPORT STRUCTUREAny building or other structure other than a tower utilized as a location for personal wireless service facility.
ANTENNA TOWERAny structure that is designed and constructed primarily for the purpose of supporting one or more antennas for personal wireless services. The term includes radio and television transmission towers, microwave towers, common-carrier towers, cellular telephone towers, antenna tower alternative structures, and the like. The term also includes the structure and any support thereto.
ANTENNA TOWER ALTERNATIVE STRUCTUREHuman-made trees, clock towers, bell steeples, and similar alternative-design mounting structures that substantially camouflage or conceal the presence of antennas or towers such that one would not identify the structure as an antenna tower.
ANTENNA TOWER HEIGHTWhen referring to a tower or other structure within the provisions of this chapter, the distance measured from the average grade plane of the antenna tower base to the highest point on the tower or other structure, including any antenna and additional height required for co-location. Lightning rods up to six feet in length and 1.25 inches in diameter may extend above the maximum height measured. When roof-mounted, antenna tower height shall be measured from the average grade plane of the building to the highest point on the tower or other structure, including any antenna and additional height required for co-location.
APPLICANTA landowner or developer who has filed an application for development, including their heirs, successors and assigns, as the case may be.
APPROVAL AUTHORITYAn official, organization, or group designated to review and approve/disapprove stormwater pollution prevention plans.
APPROVING AGENCYThe Borough Manager’s Office and Borough Council or its duly appointed representative.
ARRAYAny number of electrically connected photovoltaic (PV) modules providing a single electrical output.
ARTERIAL ROADA public street that serves large volumes of high-speed and long-distance traffic. The street classified as an "arterial road" in the Borough is West Liberty Avenue.
AS-BUILT SURVEYA drawing that represents the true size and location of what is being measured or has already been built in the field.
ASSURANCE OF COMPLETIONA contract secured by a performance bond or other guarantee or security satisfactory to the Borough and/or other public entity guaranteeing completion of the public improvements that are required by these regulations.
AVERAGE GRADEA reference plane representing the average of finished ground level adjoining the structure or building at all exterior surfaces.
AWNINGA shelter projecting from and supported by the exterior wall of a building constructed of nonrigid materials on a supporting framework.
BASE FLOODThe flood having a one-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year; also known as the "100-year frequency flood."
BASEMENTA story, the floor of which is more than 12 inches, but not more than 1/2 its clear height below the average level of the adjoining ground. A basement, when used as a dwelling, shall be counted as a half-story for purposes of height measurement and for purposes of minimum side yard determination.
BEGINNING OF CONSTRUCTIONThe utilization of labor, equipment and materials for the purpose of erecting or altering a structure.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMPS)Schedules of activities, prohibitions of practices, general good housekeeping practices, pollution prevention and educational practices, maintenance procedures, and other management practices to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants directly or indirectly to stormwater, receiving waters, or stormwater conveyance systems. BMPs also include treatment practices, operating procedures, and practices to control site runoff, spillage or leaks, sludge or water disposal, or drainage from raw materials storage.
BIKEWAY or BICYCLE PATHAn area specifically for bicycling that is physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space or barrier and either within the highway right-of-way or within an independent right-of-way.
BILLBOARDAny off-premises sign that advertises an establishment, activity, person, product or service that is unrelated to or unavailable on the premises where the sign is located.
BLOCKA parcel of land bounded on all sides by a street or streets, railways or water routes.
BLOCKThe property abutting on one side of a street between two intersecting streets or a street and a railroad right-of-way or watercourse.
BLOCK FRONTAGEProperty having frontage on one side of a street and lying between the two nearest intersecting, intercepting or intercepting extended streets, or nearest intersecting or intercepting street and railroad right-of-way, waterway or another barrier.
BOARDThe Zoning Hearing Board established by this code.
BOAT AND BOAT TRAILERIncludes boats, jet skis, canoes, kayaks, catamarans, racing shells, floats, rafts, and similar motorized and nonmotorized vessels and watercraft, plus the enclosed and unenclosed trailers used to transport or store the same and related parts, accessories and equipment.
BONDAny form of financial guaranty, including a cash deposit, surety bond, collateral, property, or instrument of credit in an amount and form satisfactory to the Borough.
BOROUGHThe Borough of Dormont, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
BOROUGH COUNCILThe Borough Council of the Borough of Dormont, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
BRIDGEA structure, 20 feet or greater in length (span), built over a depression, drainageway.
BUFFER AREAA landscaped area of a certain depth specified by this chapter that shall be planted and maintained in trees, grass, ground cover, shrubs, bushes or other natural landscaping material or an existing natural or constructed natural barrier that duplicates the effect of the required buffer area.
BUILDINGA structure used for sheltering any use or occupancy.
BUILDING ELEVATIONThe front, rear or side exterior surface of a building as viewed in a flat scale drawing.
BUILDING FRONTThe wall of the building where the principal entrance is located, usually fronting on a public street.
BUILDING HEIGHTThe vertical distance measured from the average elevation of the proposed finished grades at the front of the building to the highest point of the roof for flat roofs, to the deckline of mansard roofs and to the mean height between eaves and ridge for gable, hip and gambrel roofs, provided that chimneys, spires, towers, mechanical penthouses, tanks and similar projections of the building not intended for human occupancy shall not be included in calculating the height, provided that they do not project more than 20 feet above the roof. If there are two or more separate roofs on a single building, the height of such building shall be calculated from the highest roof.
BUILDING LINEA line parallel to the street right-of-way line at any story level of a building and representing the distance that all or any part of the building is to be set back from said right-of-way.
BUILDING PERMITA building permit approved by the Borough Manager or their designee stating that a proposed improvement complies with the provisions of this Zoning Code.
BUILDING, PRINCIPALA building in which is conducted the main or principal use of the lot on which such building is situated. Where a substantial part of the wall of an accessory building is a part of the wall of the principal building, or where an accessory building is attached to the main building in a substantial manner, as by a roof, such accessory building shall be counted as a part of the principal building.
BUILDING-MOUNTED SYSTEMA solar photovoltaic system attached to any part or type of roof on a building or structure that has an occupancy permit on file with the municipality and that is either the principal structure or an accessory structure on a recorded lot or parcel. This system also includes any solar-based architectural elements.
BULKThe size of lots; the size and placement of buildings or structures, and the location of same with respect to one another, and includes the following:
(1) Size and height of buildings;
(2) Location of exterior walls at all levels in relation to lot lines, streets or to other buildings;
(4) All open spaces allocated to buildings; and
(5) Amount of lot area and lot width provided per dwelling unit.
BUSINESSEngaging in 1) the purchase, sale, barter or exchange of goods, wares, merchandise or services; 2) the maintenance or operation of offices; or 3) a recreational and amusement enterprise for profit.
CALIPERThe American Association of Nurseryman standard for trunk measurement of nursery stock. Caliper of the trunk shall be taken six inches above the ground up to and including four-inch caliper size, and 12 inches above the ground for a caliper size greater than four inches.
CANOPYA permanent structure made of cloth, metal or other material attached or unattached to a building for the purpose of providing shelter to patrons or automobiles, or as a decorative feature on a building wall. A canopy is not a completely enclosed structure but typically is supported by features other than the building facade (e.g., structural legs, building extensions, etc.).
CARPORTA roofed structure that may be enclosed on no more than three sides designed to house or protect parked motor vehicles.
CELLThe smallest basic solar electric device that generates electricity when exposed to light.
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCYA certificate approved by the Borough Manager stating that the occupancy and use of land or a building or structure referred to therein complies with the provisions of this code.
CHANNELThe segment of the radiation spectrum from an antenna that carries one signal. An antenna may radiate on many channels simultaneously.
CLEAN WATER ACTThe federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. § 1251 et seq.), and any subsequent amendments thereto.
CO-LOCATIONThe use of personal wireless service facilities by more than one personal wireless service licensee.
COLLECTOR STREETA public street that, in addition to giving access to abutting lots, intercepts local streets and provides a route for carrying considerable volumes of local traffic to community facilities and arterial roads. Streets classified as "collector roads" in the Borough for the purposes of interpreting this chapter are Broadway Avenue, McFarland Road, McNeilly Road, Pioneer Avenue, Potomac Avenue and Scott Road.
COMMISSIONThe Borough of Dormont Planning Commission.
COMMON AREAAny land area, and associated facilities, within a planned unit development that is held in common ownership through a homeowners’ association, community association or other legal entity.
COMPLETELY ENCLOSED BUILDINGA building that has four walls and a roof designed so that all the walls are solid from the ground to the roof, containing no openings other than windows and doors.
COMPREHENSIVE PLANThe Comprehensive Plan of the Borough that guides the physical development of the Borough and that consists of maps, charts and textual matter in accordance with the provisions of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.
CONCEALED DESIGNAny personal wireless service facility that is designed to blend into the surrounding environment. Examples of concealed facilities may include, but are not limited to, antenna tower alternative structures, architecturally screened roof-mounted antennas, building-mounted antennas painted to match the existing structure, antennas integrated into architectural elements, antennas and monopoles surrounded or obscured by existing and/or proposed trees and landscaping and antenna structures designed to look like light poles.
CONCEALED PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE FACILITYA facility that is either:
(1) Virtually invisible to the casual observer, such as an antenna behind louvers on a building, or inside a steeple or similar structure; or
(2) Camouflaged so as to blend in with its surroundings to such an extent that it is indistinguishable by the casual observer from the structure on which it is placed or the surroundings in which it is located, such as a flagpole serving as an antenna.
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITYActivities subject to NPDES construction permits. Currently these include construction projects resulting in land disturbance of five acres or more. Beginning in March 2003, NPDES stormwater Phase II permits will be required for construction projects resulting in land disturbance of one acre or more. Such activities include but are not limited to clearing and grubbing, grading, excavating, and demolition.
CONSTRUCTION TRAILERA mobile unit temporarily placed on a construction site to provide temporary offices, storage or construction supervision on the site during the time when a valid building permit or grading permit is in effect.
CONTIGUOUSNext to, abutting, or touching and having a boundary, or portion thereof, that is coterminous.
CONVERSION APARTMENTA dwelling unit created within an existing dwelling in accordance with all applicable requirements of this chapter.
CORNICEThe uppermost section of moldings along the top of a wall or just below a roof.
COUNTYThe County of Allegheny, Pennsylvania.
COURTAn open unoccupied and unobstructed space, other than a yard, on the same lot with a building or group of buildings.
COVERINGAny clothing or wearing apparel, including pasties, but does not include any substance that can be washed off the skin, such as paint or makeup, or any substance designed to simulate the appearance of the anatomic area beneath it.
CRITICAL STORMA storm that is calculated by means of the percentage increase in volume of runoff by a proposed earth-disturbing activity or development area. The critical storm is used to calculate the maximum allowable stormwater discharge rate from a site.
CROSSWALKAny portion of roadway at an intersection or elsewhere, distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface.
CUL-DE-SACA local street with one end open to traffic and the other end terminating in a vehicular turnaround.
CULVERTA closed conduit for the passage of surface drainage under a street, driveway, or other embankment.
CUTAn excavation. The difference between a point on the original grade and a designated point of lower elevation on the final grade.
CUT AND FILL SLOPESA portion of land surface or area from which soil material is excavated and/or filled forming a slope or embankment.
DBMUnit of measure of the power level of an electromagnetic signal expressed in decibels referenced to one milliwatt.
DEAD-END STREETA street temporarily having only one outlet for vehicular traffic and intended to be extended or continued in the future.
DECALPainted or vinyl transfers designed to be affixed to glass.
DECKA freestanding or attached structure accessory to a dwelling that is constructed of natural or synthetic wood either on or above the ground, without a roof or awning, and with flooring that is not completely impervious and that may include steps and railings.
DENSITYA unit of measurement, the number of dwelling units per acre of land, to be used in road design and not to be confused with sanitary sewer and water design density.
DENSITY, GROSSThe number of dwelling units that are allowed on an area of land, usually an acre, which area of land shall be permitted to include dedicated streets contained within the development.
DETENTION FACILITYA detention basin or alternative structure designed to temporarily store stormwater runoff and gradually release the stored water at a controlled rate.
DETENTION/RETENTIONThe term "detention/retention basins" refers to the use of a stormwater storage facility that will store stormwater and release it at a given rate. The objective of a detention/retention facility is to regulate the rate of runoff and control the peak discharges to reduce the impact on the downstream drainage system. Types of stormwater storage facilities:
(1) Detention basin or dry basin. Dry basins are surface storage areas created by constructing a typical excavated or embankment basin. A detention basin may be designed for multi-uses, such as parks or playgrounds.
(2) Detention basins or ponds. Retention basins are permanent ponds where additional storage capacity is provided above the normal water level.
(3) Parking lot storage. Parking lot storage is a surface storage facility where an inlet is undersized causing shallow ponding to occur in specific graded areas of the parking lot.
(4) Subsurface storage. Subsurface storage is a structure constructed below grade for the specific purpose of detaining stormwater runoff.
DEVELOPERAny landowner or agent of such landowner who makes or causes to be made an application for development.
DEVELOPMENTThe division of land; also, the construction of any new building or structure, or the making of any material change in the use or appearance of any existing building or structure above or below grade through activities of construction, erection or alteration.
DEVELOPMENT AREAAny contiguous (abutting) area owned by one person or operated as one development unit and used or being developed for nonfarm commercial, industrial, residential, or other nonfarm purposes upon which earth-disturbing activities are planned or underway.
DEVELOPMENT PLANA graphic and written presentation of a planned residential development, including a plat of subdivision and all provisions relating to use, location and bulk of buildings and other structures, intensity of use or density of development, streets, parking facilities, common open space and public facilities.
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDSThe standards controlling the size of structures and the relationships of structures and uses to each other and to open areas and lot lines. Development standards include regulations controlling maximum height, minimum lot area, minimum lot frontage, minimum size of yards and setbacks, maximum lot coverage and maximum floor area ratio.
DITCHAn excavation either dug or natural for the purpose of drainage or irrigation with intermittent flow.
DORMERA window that is set vertically on a sloping roof. The dormer has its own roof that may be flat, arched, or pointed.
DRAINAGEWAYAn area of concentrated water flow other than a river, stream, ditch, or grassed waterway.
DRIVEWAYA private paved area that provides vehicular access to a parking space, garage, dwelling or other structure.
DUMPINGGrading, pushing, piling, throwing, unloading, or placing.
EARTH MATERIALSoil, sediment, rock, sand, gravel, and organic material or residue associated with or attached to the soil.
EARTH-DISTURBING ACTIVITYAny grading, excavating, fitting or other alteration of the earth’s surface where natural or man-made ground cover is destroyed, and that may result in or contribute to erosion and sediment pollution.
EASEMENTAuthorization by a property owner for the use by another, and for a specified purpose, of any designated part of their property.
EAVE or EAVESThe edge of a roof. Eaves usually project beyond the side of the building.
ELECTROMAGNETICALLY ABLE The determination that the new signal from and to the proposed new antennas will not significantly interfere with the existing signals from and to other facilities located on the same tower or structure as determined by a qualified professional telecommunications engineer. The use of available technologies to alleviate such interferences shall be considered when making this determination.
ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTERA sign designed so that the characters, letter or illustrations can be changed or rearranged automatically on a lamp bank or through mechanical means (e.g., electronic or digital signs).
EMPLOYEEA person who is employed to work for a wage or salary.
ENGINEERAny person registered to practice professional engineering by the commonwealth.
EQUIPMENT SHELTER/BUILDING/BOXThe structure in which the electronic receiving and transmission equipment associated with a personal wireless service facility is housed.
EROSION(1) The wearing away of the land surface by running water, wind, ice or other geological agents, including such processes as gravitational creep.
(2) Detachment and movement of soil or rock fragments by wind, water, ice, or gravity.
(3) Erosion includes:
(a) ACCELERATED EROSIONErosion much more rapid than normal, natural or geologic erosion, primarily as a result of the influence of the activities of man.
(b) FLOODPLAIN EROSIONAbrading and wearing away of the nearly level land situated on either side of a channel due to overflow flooding.
(c) GULLY EROSIONThe erosion process whereby water accumulates in narrow channels during and immediately after rainfall or snow or ice melt and actively removes the soil from this narrow area to considerable depths such that the channel would not be obliterated by normal smoothing or tillage operations.
(e) NORMAL EROSIONThe gradual erosion of land used by man that does not greatly exceed natural erosion.
(f) RILL EROSIONAn erosion process in which numerous small channels only several inches deep are formed; occurs mainly on recently disturbed soils.
(g) SHEET EROSIONThe removal of a fairly uniform layer of soil from the land surface by wind or runoff water.
EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLANAn erosion and sediment control strategy or plan to minimize erosion and prevent off-site sedimentation by containing sediment on-site or bypassing sediment laden runoff through a sediment control measure, prepared and approved in accordance with the specific requirements of these regulations. The erosion and sediment control plan may be referred to as a sediment control plan.
EXISTING BUILDINGSAny building and structures for which the start of construction commenced before the effective date of the Borough’s first ordinances or standards.
EXOTIC ANIMALSWild animals/reptiles not indigenous to the commonwealth, such as lions, tigers, elephants, alligators, crocodiles, etc., or recognized as a legitimate agricultural use.
FAAThe Federal Aviation Administration and any legally appointed, designated or elected agent or successor.
FACADEThat portion of any exterior elevation of a building extending from the grade of the building to the top of the parapet wall or eaves, for the entire width of the building elevation.
FCCThe Federal Communications Commission and any legally appointed, designated or elected agent or successor.
FENCEAny structure erected in such a manner and positioned to permanently enclose, partially enclose, or create a barrier on any premises or part of any premises. Hedges, trellises or other structures supporting or for the purpose of supporting vines, flowers and other vegetation when erected in such position to enclose any premises or part of premises shall be included within the definition of the word "fence."
FILLAny act by which earth, sand, gravel, rock or any other material is placed, pushed, dumped, pulled, transported or moved to a new location above the natural surface of the ground or on top of the stripped surface and shall include the resulting grade conditions. The difference in elevation between a point on the original ground and a designated point of higher elevation on the final grade.
FINAL APPROVALThe ultimate approval of a planned residential development granted by the Borough Council that follows tentative approval and filing of an application for final approval, all granted in accordance with this chapter.
FINAL PLANA formal subdivision plan containing all necessary information including construction documents and specifications as required in Article 1109 of these regulations, approved by the appropriate authorities and utility owners.
FINAL PLATA plat of a subdivision containing all necessary information as required in Article 1109 of these regulations, signed by the appropriate authorities and recorded in the office of the County Recorder.
FLOOR AREAThe sum of the gross horizontal areas of each floor of the principal building, measured from the exterior walls or from the center line of party walls, including the floor area of accessory buildings and structures.
FLOOR AREA, GROSS (GFA)The floor area within the inside perimeter of the exterior walls of the building under consideration, exclusive of vent shafts and courts, without deduction for corridors, stairways, closets, the thickness of interior walls, columns or other features. The floor area of a building, or portion thereof, not provided with surrounding exterior walls shall be the usable area under the horizontal projection of the roof or floor above. The gross floor area shall not include shafts with no openings or interior courts.
FLOOR AREA, GROUNDThe square foot area of a building or structure within its largest outside dimensions computed on a horizontal plane at the ground floor level exclusive of open porches, breezeways, terraces and garages.
FOLDING TENT TRAILERA canvas folding structure, mounted on wheels and designed for travel and vacation uses.
FORCE MAJEUREA strike, acts of God, acts of public enemies; administrative, judicial or regulatory orders or regulations of any kind of the United States of America and/or the commonwealth or any of their departments, agencies or political subdivisions; riots, epidemics and pandemics, landslides, lightning, earthquakes, fires, tornadoes, storms, floods, civil disturbances, explosions, partial or entire failure of utilities or any other cause or event not reasonably within the control of the disabled party, but only to the extent that the disabled party notifies the other party as soon as practicable regarding such force majeure.
FORESTRYThe management of forests and timberlands when practiced in accordance with accepted silvicultural principles, through developing, cultivating, harvesting, transporting and selling trees for commercial purposes, that does not involve any land development.
GABLEThe triangle formed by a sloping roof. A building may be front-gabled or side-gabled. Porches and dormers may also be gabled.
GARAGE SALESThe sale or offering for sale to the general public six or more items of personal property on any portion of a lot, either within or outside of a structure. Garage sales include patio, basement, yard, or block sales.
GRADEThe average level of the finished surface of the ground adjacent to the exterior walls of the building or structure.
GRADE OF SERVICEA measure of percentage of calls that are able to connect to the basic station during the busiest hour of the day. Grade of service is expressed as a number, such as p.05-, which means that 95% of callers will connect on their first try. A lower number (p.04) indicates a better grade of service.
GRADINGEarth-disturbing activity such as excavation, stripping, cutting, filling, stockpiling, or any combination thereof.
GRASSED WATERWAYA broad or shallow natural course or constructed channel covered with erosion-resistant grasses or similar vegetative cover and used to conduct surface water.
GREENBELTA strip of land parallel to and extending inwardly from the lot lines or right-of-way lines.
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHTThe weight of the vehicle plus its manufacturer’s rated load capacity. For example: one-half-ton rating shall be 1,000 pounds. Three-quarter-ton rating shall be 1,500 pounds. One-ton rating shall be 2,000 pounds.
GROUND-MOUNTED SYSTEMA solar photovoltaic system mounted on a structure, pole or series of poles constructed specifically to support the photovoltaic system and not attached to any other structure.
HABITABLE SPACEAreas within a dwelling unit that are used for living, sleeping, eating or cooking. Living or habitable space includes bathrooms, toilet compartments and other sanitary facilities and halls, but does not include closets, crawl spaces, garages and other storage and uninhabitable areas. Also referred to as "livable space."
HAZARDAny danger to public health, welfare or safety, including exposure to risk or damage to property or liability for personal injury; or risk of harm to land, air or water resulting in environmental degradation. Hazards can include, but are not limited to, flooding and ponding, compaction and settling, landslides, earthquakes, toxic chemicals, radiation, fire and disease.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALSAny material, including any substance, waste, or combination thereof, that because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics may cause, or significantly contribute to, a substantial present or potential hazard to human health, safety, property, or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise managed.
HEDGEA row of bushes or small trees planted close together, especially when forming a barrier or boundary.
HEIGHTSee "building height" and "height of structure."
HEIGHT OF STRUCTUREThe vertical distance measured from the average finished grade level around the structure to the highest point of a structure, other than a building. (See also "building height.")
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCEAny structure or area that provides evidence for a fact of history or the source of history.
HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATIONA private organization established for the care and maintenance of stormwater and detention facilities and other common areas.
HVACEquipment used to heat, cool or ventilate a structure.
ILLEGAL DISCHARGEAny direct or indirect non-stormwater discharge to the storm drain system, except as exempted in this code.
ILLICIT CONNECTIONSEither of the following:
(1) Any drain or conveyance, whether on the surface or subsurface, that allows an illegal discharge to enter the storm drain system, including but not limited to any conveyances that allow any non-stormwater discharge including sewage, process wastewater, and wash water to enter the storm drain system and any connections to the storm drain system from indoor drains and sinks, regardless of whether said drain or connection had been previously allowed, permitted or approved by an authorized enforcement agency; or
(2) Any drain or conveyance connected from a commercial or industrial land use to the storm drain system that has not been documented in plans, maps, or equivalent records and approved by an authorized enforcement agency.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACEAny material that prevents the absorption of stormwater into the ground, including concrete, asphalt, stone, brick, block or other paving material or a roof or awning.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE RATIOA measure of the intensity of land use that is determined by dividing the total area of all impervious surfaces on the site by the area of the site or lot.
IMPROVED SURFACEConcrete, asphalt, aggregate base, subbase, asphalt concrete, brick or such other unenclosed surfaces as approved by the Chief Building Official and Borough Engineer.
IMPROVEMENTStreet pavement or resurfacing, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, water lines, sewer lines, storm drains, streetlights, flood control and drainage facilities, utility lines, landscaping, and other related matters.
INCIDENTALAn object or use necessarily found in connection with the principal structure or use, but subordinate and secondary thereto.
INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITYActivities subject to NPDES industrial permits as defined in 40 CFR 122.26(b)(14).
INSTITUTIONAL PROPERTYProperty owned or used by institutions such as churches, parks, libraries, municipal government, hospital and utilities.
INTERCONNECTIONThe technical and practical link between the solar generator and the grid providing electricity to the greater community.
JUNKOld or scrap copper, brass, rope, rags, batteries, paper, rubber; junked, dismantled, or wrecked motor vehicles or parts thereof; iron, steel, and other old or scrap ferrous or nonferrous materials that are not held for sale or remelting purposes by an establishment having facilities for processing such materials.
KILOWATT (KW)A unit of electrical power equal to 1,000 watts that constitutes the basic unit of electrical demand. A "watt" is a metric measurement of power (not energy) and is the rate (not the duration) at which electricity is used. One thousand kW is equal to one megawatt (mW).
LAND DEVELOPMENTThe improvement of one lot or two or more contiguous lots, tracts or parcels of land for any purpose involving:
(1) A group of two or more residential or nonresidential buildings, whether proposed initially or cumulatively, or a single nonresidential building on a lot or lots, regardless of the number of occupants or tenure, including any change of use or structural alteration that results in additional land coverage by structures and/or paving; or
(2) The division or allocation of land or space, whether initially or cumulatively, between or among two or more existing or prospective occupants by means of or for the purpose of streets, common areas, leaseholds, condominiums, building groups or other features.
LAND DEVELOPMENT PLANA plan prepared in accordance with the application requirements of Chapter
183, Subdivision and Land Development, for approval of a land development, as defined herein.
LANDOWNERThe legal or beneficial owner or owners of land, including the holder of an option or contract to purchase (whether or not such option or contract is subject to any condition), a lessee, if they are authorized under the lease to exercise the rights of the landowner, or other person having a proprietary interest in the land.
LANDSCAPED AREAAn area that is permanently devoted to and maintained for the growing of trees, shrubs, grass or other plant material.
LANDSCAPINGThe improvement of open areas by the planting and maintenance of trees, bushes, flower gardens, grass, or other vegetation.
LANDSCAPING PLANA plan prepared by a registered architect or registered landscape architect identifying each tree and shrub by size, type and scientific name, the location of each, including a planting diagram and such other diagrams or reports as are necessary to show the method of planting, staking and mulching, grass seeding specifications and mixtures and existing trees to be preserved.
LANDSLIDEThe rapid downward and outward movement of large rock material and/or soil mass under the influence of gravity in which the movement of the soil mass occurs along an interior surface of sliding.
LAP DANCEAlso known as a "straddle dance," "face dance," or "flash dance." The use by an employee, whether clothed or partially or totally nude, of any part of their body to touch, massage, rub, stroke, caress, or fondle the genital or pubic area of a person while at the establishment, or the touching of the genital or pubic area of any employee by a person while at the establishment. It shall be a lap dance regardless of whether the touch or touching occurs while the employee is displaying or exposing any specified anatomical area. It shall also be a lap dance regardless of whether the touch or touching is direct or through a medium.
LATTICEA framework consisting of an ornamental design made of strips of wood or metal.
LIVESTOCKCattle, horses, mules, burros, sheep, swine, llamas and goats, regardless of use, and any animal, except dogs and cats, that are used for working purposes on a farm or ranch, and any animal that is raised for food or fiber production.
LOADING AND UNLOADING BERTHThe off-street area required for receiving or distributing materials or merchandise by vehicles. In this Zoning Code this area is a twelve-foot by forty-five-foot loading span with a fourteen-foot height clearance. However, if more than one berth is provided, the minimum dimensions are 10 feet by 45 feet with a fourteen-foot height clearance.
LOADING SPACEAn off-street space or berth on the same lot with a building or contiguous to a group of buildings, for the temporary parking of a commercial vehicle while loading or unloading merchandise or materials; and that abuts upon a street, alley or other appropriate means of access.
LOCAL STREETA street primarily for providing access to residential, commercial, or other abutting property.
LOOP STREETA type of local street, each end of which terminates at an intersection with the same arterial or collector street, and whose principal radius points of the one-hundred-eighty-degree system of turns are not more than 1,000 feet from said arterial or collector street, nor normally more than 600 feet from each other.
LOTA tract of land in a plan of subdivision or any other parcel of land described in a deed or legal instrument pursuant to the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania intended to be used as a unit for development or transfer of ownership.
LOT AREAThat area measured on a horizontal plane bounded by the front, rear and side lot lines, exclusive of any area within a street right-of-way.
LOT COVERAGEThat percentage of the lot area covered by all principal structures, accessory structures and impervious surfaces, excluding the following which may be existing or proposed on the lot:
(2) Up to 200 square feet of impervious surface or paved with pervious pavers that is designated for a parking pad if no other private garage, carport or parking pad is available on the lot.
(3) A deck or decks with a total surface area of no more than 250 square feet or 5% of the total area of the lot, whichever is greater.
LOT LINE, FRONTIn the case of an interior lot, a line separating the lot from the street or place, and in the case of a corner lot, a line separating the narrowest street frontage of the lot from the street, except in cases where deed restrictions in effect specify another line as the front lot line.
LOT LINE, REARA lot line that is opposite and most distant from the front lot line and, in case of an irregular or triangular shaped lot, a line 10 feet in length within the lot, parallel to and at the maximum distance from the front line.
LOT LINE, SIDEAny lot boundary not a front lot line or a rear lot line.
LOT LINESThe property lines bounding the lot. Also, "property line."
LOT OF RECORDAny lot that, individually or as a part of a subdivision, has been recorded in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of Allegheny County.
LOT WIDTHThe straight line distance between the points of intersection of the building line with the side lot lines.
LOT, CORNERA lot at the intersection of and fronting on two or more street rights-of-way. The front yard of a corner lot will be determined by the street address of the property and is also the yard most adjacent to the architecturally dominant entry to the building.
LOT, DEPTHThe mean horizontal distance between the front line and the rear line of the lot, measured in the general direction of the side lot lines.
LOT, GROUND LEVELFor buildings having walls adjoining one street only, the elevation of the sidewalk at the center of the wall adjoining the street; for buildings having walls adjoining more than one street, the average of the elevation of the sidewalk at the center of all walls adjoining the streets; for buildings having no wall adjoining the street, the average level of the ground adjacent to the exterior walls of the building. Any wall approximately parallel to and not more than five feet from a street is to be considered as adjoining the street.
LOT, REVERSED INTERIORThe first lot to the rear of a corner lot, the front lot line of which is a continuation of the side lot line of the corner lot and fronting on the street that intersects the street upon which the corner lot fronts and/or that faces the street upon which the side of a corner lot abuts. The corner lot is considered abutting even though separated from the interior lot line by an alley.
LOT, THROUGHA lot having frontage on two streets at opposite ends of the lot and may also be known as a "double frontage lot."
MANUFACTURED HOMEA factory-built, one-unit structure that is manufactured under the authority of 42 U.S.C. § 5401, the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act, is transportable in one or more sections, is built on a permanent chassis and is used as a place of human habitation; but that is not constructed with a permanent hitch or other device allowing transport of the unit, other than delivery to a permanent site, and that does not have wheels or axles permanently attached to its body or frame.
MANUFACTURED HUD UNITA permanently sited, occupancy-ready manufactured residential housing unit as defined under 24 CFR 3280.2 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations establishing manufactured home construction and safety standards.
MARGINAL ACCESS STREETA local or collector street, parallel and adjacent to an arterial or collector street, providing access to abutting properties and protection from arterial or collector streets. Also, "frontage street."
MASSAGEA method of treating or stimulating the external parts of the human body by rubbing, stroking, kneading, tapping, touching or vibrating with the hand or any instruments for pay.
MEDIATIONA voluntary negotiating process in which parties in a dispute mutually select a neutral mediator to assist them in jointly exploring and settling their differences, culminating in a written agreement that the parties themselves create and consider acceptable.
MODULAR HOUSINGAn assembly of materials or products comprising all or part of a total residential structure that, when constructed, is self-sufficient and contains plumbing, wiring and heating at the point of manufacture, and that, when installed, constitutes a dwelling unit except for necessary on-site preparations for its placement.
MODULEThe smallest protected assembly of interconnected PV cells.
MONITORING PROTOCOLAn approved testing protocol as defined in the most current FCC regulations.
MONOPOLEA single pole with no aboveground lateral support from secondary structural members in either tension or compression.
MONUMENTA permanent concrete or iron marker used to establish definitely all lines of the plat of a subdivision, including all lot corners, and points of change in street alignment.
MOTORIZED HOMEA portable dwelling designed and constructed as an integral part of a self-propelled vehicle. Also, "camper."
MULTI-USE PATH OR TRAILAn area physically separated from motorized vehicle traffic by open space or a barrier and either within the highway right-of-way or within an independent right-of-way.
MUNICIPAL OR GOVERNMENTAL BUILDINGA facility for administrative activity conducted by a governmental entity. Typical uses include Borough Hall, social security office, or special district headquarters.
NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES)Stormwater discharge permit. A permit issued by the EPA [or by a state under authority delegated pursuant to 33 U.S.C. § 1342(b)] that authorizes the discharge of pollutants to waters of the United States, whether the permit is applicable on an individual, group, or general area-wide basis.
NEIGHBORHOOD PARKA public park containing at least five acres located in an area where at least 2,000 persons reside no farther than 1/2 mile from the park.
NET LEASABLE FLOOR AREAThe total floor area of a building designed for tenant occupancy, excluding halls, corridors, stairwells, elevator shafts, equipment rooms, restrooms, interior vehicular parking and loading areas and other areas used in common by tenants of the building, expressed in square feet and measured from the center line of joint partitions and exteriors of outside walls.
NET METERING AGREEMENTAn agreement with a local electric utility that allows customers to receive a credit for surplus electricity generated by certain renewable energy systems.
NONCONFORMING LOTAny lot that does not comply with the applicable area and bulk provisions of this chapter or an amendment hereafter enacted, that lawfully existed prior to the enactment of this chapter or any subsequent amendment.
NONCONFORMING STRUCTUREA structure or part of a structure manifestly not designed to comply with the applicable use or extent of use provisions in a zoning ordinance or amendment heretofore or hereafter enacted, where such structure lawfully existed prior to the enactment of such ordinance or amendment or prior to the application of such ordinance or amendment to its location by reason of annexation. Such nonconforming structures include, but are not limited to, nonconforming signs.
NONCONFORMING USEA use, whether of land or of a structure, that does not comply with the applicable use provisions in this chapter or an amendment hereafter enacted, that lawfully existed prior to the enactment of this chapter or any subsequent amendment.
NONPROFITNot conducted or maintained for the purpose of making a profit.
NONSTRUCTURAL CONTROLSStormwater runoff control and treatment techniques that use natural measures to control runoff and/or reduce pollution levels, and do not require extensive construction efforts and/or do promote runoff control and/or pollutant reduction by eliminating the runoff and/or pollutant source. Examples include minimizing impervious area, buffer strips along streams, and preserving natural vegetation.
NUDITY, STATE OF NUDITY, OR NUDEThe showing of the human male or female genitals, pubic areas or buttocks with less than a fully opaque covering, or the showing of the female breast with less than a fully opaque covering of any portion thereof below the top of the nipple, or the depiction of covered male genitals in a discernibly turgid state.
OCCUPANCY PERMITA permit for the use or occupancy of a building, structure or lot indicating compliance with all provisions of this chapter.
OPAQUEImpervious to light; obscuring visibility.
OPEN SPACELand presently devoted to, or that is later designated as, conservation or recreational purposes and/or land designated by a municipality to remain undeveloped (may be specified on a Zoning Map).
ORIENTATIONThe direction a building face. Most buildings squarely face a street, with their principal facade and entrance in full view.
OUTFALLAn area where water flows from a structure such as a conduit, storm sewer, improved channel or drain, and the area immediately beyond the structure that is impacted by the velocity of flow in the structure.
OUTLOTProperty shown on a subdivision plat outside of the boundaries of the land that is to be developed and that is to be excluded from the development of the subdivision.
PADA building site or parking area improvement prepared by artificial means, including, but not limited to, grading, excavation or filling or any combination thereof.
PADEPThe Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection or any successor agency or agencies.
PARAPETA low wall projecting from the edge of a platform, terrace, or roof. Parapets may rise above the cornice of a building or form the upper portion of a defensive wall on a castle. In mission style homes, rounded parapets are often used as decorative features.
PARCELAny legally described piece of land created by a partition, subdivision, deed or other instrument recorded with the appropriate entity or agency.
PARKING AREAA paved area, other than a parking pad, including two or more parking spaces, aisles and driveways, that is accessory to the principal use of the lot.
PARKING PADA paved area, other than a driveway, on a residential lot intended for the parking of one or more motor vehicles owned by the owners or tenants of the lot, that is accessory to the principal use of the lot.
PARKING SPACEA durable, solid-surfaced area, enclosed or unenclosed, sufficient in size to store one motor vehicle, together with a paved driveway connecting the parking space with a street or alley and permitting ingress and egress of an automobile.
PARKING SPACE, OFF-STREETAn area adequate for parking an automobile with room for opening doors on both sides together with properly related access to a public street or alley and maneuvering room but shall be located totally outside of any street or alley right-of-way.
PASSENGER VEHICLEA road motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, intended for the carriage of passengers and designed to seat no more than nine persons (including the driver).
PATIOA structure accessory to a dwelling constructed on the ground from materials such as concrete, stones, bricks, blocks or other paving material and that may or may not have a roof or awning.
PEAK RATE OF RUNOFFThe maximum rate of water runoff from a defined geographic area for a twenty-four-hour precipitation event of a given intensity.
PERFORMANCE BOND or SURETY BONDAn agreement by a subdivider or developer with the Borough for the amount of the estimated construction cost guaranteeing the completion of physical improvements according to plans and specifications within the time prescribed by the subdivider’s agreement.
PERFORMANCE STANDARDA criterion established in the interest of protecting the public health and safety for the control of noise, odor, smoke, noxious gases, and other objectionable or dangerous elements generated by and inherent in or incidental to land uses.
PERMITTEE and/or LICENSEEA person in whose name a permit and/or license to operate an adult entertainment business has been issued, as well as the individual listed as an applicant on the application for a permit and/or license.
PERSONAny natural person, firm, partnership, association, or corporation, but this definition does not include governmental units.
PERSONAL SERVICESAny enterprise providing services pertaining to the person, their apparel or personal effects commonly carried on or about the person, including but not limited to shoe repair, tailoring, clothes cleaning, watch repairing, barbershops, beauty parlors and related activities.
PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE FACILITIESFacilities for the provision of personal wireless services as such term is defined in 47 U.S.C. § 332 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and further includes towers, poles, cables, wires, lines, wave guides, antennas, microwave dishes and/or any other equipment or facilities associated with the transmission or reception of communications as authorized by the FCC that a person seeks to locate or have installed upon a tower or antenna support structure. The term "personal wireless service facilities" shall not include the following, which shall be exempted from regulation under this code:
(1) Any satellite earth station antenna two meters or less in diameter that is located in an area zoned industrial or commercial;
(2) Any satellite earth station antenna one meter or less in diameter, regardless of zoning category; or
(3) Antennas used by amateur radio operators or those used for television reception on residential homes.
PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICESCommercial mobile services, unlicensed wireless services and common carrier wireless exchange access services as such term is defined in 47 U.S.C. § 332 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV)A semiconductor-based device that converts light directly into electricity.
PICKUP CAMPERA structure designed primarily to be mounted on a pickup or truck chassis and with sufficient equipment to render it suitable for use for travel, recreational, or vacation uses.
PLACEAn open, unoccupied space other than a street or alley, permanently reserved for use as the principal means of access to abutting property.
PLANNED MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENTAn area of land controlled by a single landowner and developed as a single entity for a combination of two or more authorized uses in the C Zoning District where the several uses share a common means of access, common parking areas, common signage and other common design features.
PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTAn area of land controlled by a single landowner and developed as a single entity for a number of dwellings or a combination of residential and nonresidential uses, the plan for which does not necessarily correspond in lot size, bulk, type of dwelling unit or use, density or intensity, lot coverage or required open space to any one district in this chapter.
PLATThe map, drawing, or chart on which the developer’s plan of subdivision (preliminary) is presented to the Planning Commission for approval and, after such approval, to the County Recorder (final) for recording.
PLAT OF SURVEYA land survey performed by a professional surveyor that identifies a minor subdivision or lot split.
PLAY EQUIPMENTAn area used for outdoor play or recreation, especially by children, and often containing recreational equipment such as slides and swings.
PLAYHOUSEAny temporary building or structure made specifically for the recreational enjoyment of the tenant’s children. Such structures will be under 200 square feet and can be easily removed from the property.
PLOT PLANA drawing used in connection with an application for occupancy permit for the purpose of identifying the intended use or occupancy of a particular lot and to facilitate administrative review for zoning compliance, drawn accurately and legibly on durable material (such as blue, black or brown line prints, photostats, etc., but not including blueprints, duplication machine copies on thin paper or pencil drawings), sheet size 8 1/2 inches by 14 inches.
POLLUTANTAnything that causes or contributes to pollution. Pollutants may include, but are not limited to: paints, varnishes, and solvents; oil and other automotive fluids; nonhazardous liquid and solid wastes and yard wastes; refuse, rubbish, garbage, litter, or other discarded or abandoned objects, ordinances, and accumulations, so that same may cause or contribute to pollution; floatables; pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers; hazardous substances and wastes; sewage, fecal coliform and pathogens; dissolved and particulate metals; animal wastes; wastes and residues that result from constructing a building or structure; and noxious or offensive matter of any kind.
PONDSAn area that is designed to permanently hold water for personal enjoyment.
POOL HOUSEA building where swimmers change clothes or other associated activities to a residential swimming pool.
POOL, STORABLEAny private pool that is constructed on or above the ground and is capable of holding water to a maximum depth of 42 inches, or a pool with nonmetallic, molded polymeric walls or inflatable fabric walls regardless of dimension.
PORCHAn attached structure accessory to a dwelling, constructed either on or above the ground, with or without an enclosed foundation and that either has flooring that is completely impervious or is covered by a roof or awning.
PORCH, ENCLOSEDA roofed structure, usually attached to or part of and with direct access to or from a building. Different than an open porch in that it is fully enclosed in vertical walls or glazing for more than half of the year.
PORCH, OPENA roofed open structure that projects from the front, side or rear wall of a building that is unenclosed for more than half of the year, except possibly for screens, by anything higher than 36 inches above the floor except for roof and roof supports.
PORTABLE STORAGE UNITSAny enclosed unit of whatever type construction or material, designed for permanent or temporary storage, that can be transported by a vehicle and left on-site.
PREEXISTING TOWERS AND PREEXISTING ANTENNAAny personal wireless service facilities for which a building permit has been properly issued prior to the effective date of this section, including permitted personal wireless service facilities that have not yet been constructed so long as such approval is current and not expired.
PRELIMINARY PLANThe drawing depicting a proposed subdivision that is intended to provide the Borough Manager’s Office and the Planning Commission with pertinent information regarding the development of a subdivision. The plan must contain all necessary information as required herein.
PRELIMINARY PLATThe drawing depicting a proposed subdivision that is intended to provide the Borough Manager’s Office and the Planning Commission with pertinent information regarding the development of a subdivision. The plat must contain all necessary information as required herein.
PREMISESAny lot or combination of contiguous lots held in single ownership, together with the development thereon; a condominium complex constitutes one premises.
PRINCIPAL BUILDINGThe building or buildings on a lot in which the principal use or uses are conducted.
PRINCIPAL STRUCTUREThe structure or structures in which the principal use or uses are conducted.
PRINCIPAL USEThe primary or predominant use of land or structures, as distinguished from an accessory use. A principal use may be either a permitted use or a conditional use.
PRIVATEOwned, operated or controlled by any person, partnership, corporation, association or entity other than a federal, state, county or local government agency.
PRIVATE CLUBA nonprofit association of persons who are bona fide members paying periodic dues, that either owns or leases a building and/or premises, the use of which is restricted to members and their guests.
PRIVATE PERFORMANCEThe display or exposure of any specified anatomical area by an employee at an adult entertainment business to a person other than another employee while the person is in an area within the establishment not accessible during such display to all other persons in the establishment, or while the person is an area in which the person is totally or partially screened or partitioned during such display from the view of all persons within the establishment.
PRIVATE STREETA roadway that has not been dedicated to the Borough and is completely maintained by the adjoining property owners. A private street is not maintained by the Borough nor is it required to meet Borough standards. It is owned entirely by the property owners who use it.
PROPORTIONThe relationship of the dimensions of building elements, such as windows and doors, to each other and to the elevations. Often, proportions are expressed as mathematical ratios, particularly for buildings based on Greek, Roman and Renaissance architecture.
PROTECTED PUBLIC WATER SUPPLYA public water system that services at least 15 service connections used by year-round residents or regularly serves at least 25 year-round residents and having a one-year capture area defined through appropriate hydrologic studies.
PROTECTED USEFor the purpose of regulating adult entertainment business, those uses listed below:
(1) Government administration and court;
(4) Residential district or use;
(5) Primary school or secondary school;
(6) Any overnight lodging use; or
(7) Any establishment that sells alcoholic beverages, either packaged, by the glass, or by other means.
PUBLICOwned, operated or controlled by a government agency, federal, state, county or local.
PUBLIC HEARINGA formal meeting held pursuant to public notice by the governing body or planning agency, intended to inform and obtain public comment, prior to taking action in accordance with this chapter.
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTSAll roads, streets, walkways, gutters, stormwater management facilities, curbs, sewers and other facilities to be dedicated to or maintained by the Borough.
PUBLIC MEETINGA forum held pursuant to notice under the Sunshine Act, 65 Pa.C.S.A. § 701 et seq.
PUBLIC NOTICENotice published once each week for two successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality. Such notice shall state the time and place of the hearing and the particular nature of the matter to be considered at the hearing. The first publication shall not be more than 30 days and the second publication shall not be less than seven days from the date of the hearing.
PUBLIC PROPERTYReal estate owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by a governmental entity.
PUBLIC SAFETY LIGHTINGLighting, as may be required by any public agency while engaged in the performance of its duties, or for illumination of the path of egress during an emergency.
PUBLIC WATERSWater within rivers, streams, ditches, and lakes, except private ponds and lakes wholly within single properties, or waters leaving property on which surface water originates.
PUBLIC WAYAn alley, avenue, boulevard, bridge, easement, expressway, freeway, highway, land, parkway, right-of-way, road, sidewalk, street, subway, tunnel, viaduct, walk, or other ways in which the general public or a public entity have a right, or that are dedicated, whether improved or not.
PURLINTimber used to support roofing sheets. Usually fixed on top of rafters.
RADIATION PROPAGATION STUDIES OR RADIAL PLOTSComputer-generated estimates of the radiation emanating from antennas or repeaters sited on a specific tower or structure. The height above ground and above mean sea level, power input and output, frequency output, type of antenna, antenna gain energy dispersion characteristics, and topography of both the site and its surroundings are all considered to create these situations. They are the primary tool for determining whether a site will provide adequate coverage for the personal wireless service facility proposed for that site.
RADIO DISH/ANTENNAEquipment found on the exterior of a residential property and comprising of the part of the radio receiver by means of which the radio signals are received.
RADIO LICENSED ANTENNA (NONCOMMERCIAL)An antenna in any zoning district not used in conjunction with a business, commercial enterprise, trade, calling, vocation, profession, occupation, or means of livelihood, including, but not limited to FCC licensed amateur radio stations and standard television receive-only parabolic antennas.
RAFTERA parallel member of a roof that support battens/purlins and roofing materials.
RAILThe top and bottom frame member of a door or window that is not the jamb.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENTA motor home, house trailer, truck camper, boat, boat trailer, travel trailer and/or any other vehicle that is principally designated and used for recreation purposes.
REGULATED SUBSTANCESChemicals and mixtures of chemicals that are health hazards. Materials packaged for personal or household use as food or drink for man or other animals are not "regulated substances." "Regulated substances" include:
(1) Chemicals for which there is scientific evidence that acute or chronic health effects may result from exposure, including carcinogens, toxic and highly toxic agents, reproductive toxins, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, neurotoxins, agents that act on the hematopoietic system, and agents that damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes.
(2) Mixtures of chemicals that have been tested as a whole and have been determined to be a health hazard.
(3) Mixtures of chemicals that have not been tested as a whole but that contain any chemical that has been determined to be a health hazard and that comprises 1% or greater of the composition on a weight per unit weight basis, and mixtures of chemicals that include a carcinogen if the concentration of the carcinogen in the mixture is 0.1% or greater of the composition on a weight per unit weight basis.
REPLATA new recording of a previously recorded subdivision in which the purpose is to modify some portion of the originally recorded plat.
RHYTHMThe spacing of repetitive facade elements, such as projecting bays, storefronts, windows, doors, belt courses and the like.
RIGHT-OF-WAYAn area of land reserved or dedicated for public purposes to provide access across the property of another.
ROOF, MANSARDA roof with two slopes on each of the four sides. The lower slope is steeper than the upper slope. Dormers are often set in the lower slope. The upper slope is usually not visible from the ground.
RUNOFFThe portion of rainfall, melted snow or irrigation water that flows across the ground surface and is eventually returned to streams.
SANITARY SEWERSAn approved sewage disposal system that provides a collection network and disposal system and central sewage treatment facility for a single development, community or region.
SANITARY WASTE TREATMENT, ON-SITEA septic tank or similar installation on an individual lot that utilizes a bacteriological process or equally satisfactory process for the elimination of sewage and provides for the proper and safe disposal of the effluent, subject to the approval of health and sanitation officials having jurisdiction.
SATELLITE DISHA device incorporating a reflective surface that is solid, open mesh, or bar configured and is in the shape of a shallow dish. Such device shall be used only to receive radio or electromagnetic waves between terrestrially and/or orbitally based uses. Satellite dishes include but are not limited to TVROs (television reception only satellite dish antennas) and satellite microwave antennas.
SCALEThe relationship of the size of a building or object to the size of a human being. Grand or large scale implies a size out of proportion to human size, while small or intimate scale implies the opposite.
SCREENING FENCEA fence constructed so that the surface area is at least 80% opaque to obscure vision from one side of the fence to the other and that may include solid or nearly solid fence members or cyclone fencing with vinyl or other opaque screening material inserted through the openings.
SEDIMENTSolid material, both mineral and organic, that is in suspension, is being transported, or has been moved from its site of origin by wind, water, gravity, or ice, and has come to rest on the earth’s surface above or below sea level.
SEDIMENT BASINA barrier, dam, or other suitable detention facility built across an area of water flow to settle and retain sediment carried by the runoff waters.
SEDIMENT CONTROL PLANA written description, acceptable to the approving agency, of methods for controlling sediment pollution from accelerated erosion on a development area of five or more contiguous acres or from erosion caused by accelerated runoff from a development area of five or more contiguous acres.
SEDIMENT POLLUTIONFailure to use management or conservation practices to abate wind or water erosion of the soil or to abate the degradation of the waters of the state by soil sediment in conjunction with land grading, excavating, filling, or other soil-disturbing activities on land used or being developed for nonfarm commercial, industrial, residential, or other nonfarm purposes.
SEMINUDITY or SEMINUDE CONDITION or SEMINUDEExposing to view, with less than a fully opaque covering, any portion of the female breast below the top of the areola or any portion of the buttocks. This definition shall include the entire lower portion of the female breast exhibited by a dress, blouse, shirt, leotard, bathing suit, or other clothing, provided that the areola is not exposed in whole or in part.
SETBACKThe required minimum horizontal distance between the building line and the related front, side or rear property line.
SETBACK LINEA line parallel to the street right-of-way line at any story level of a building and representing the distance that all or any part of the building is to be set back from said right-of-way.
SETTLING PONDA runoff detention structure such as a sediment basin or sediment trap that detains sediment-laden runoff allowing sediment to settle out.
SEWERS, SANITARY, CENTRAL OR GROUPAn approved sewage disposal system that provides a collection network and disposal system and central sewage treatment facility for a single development, community, or region.
SEWERS, STORMA sewer that carries stormwater and surface water, street wash and other wash waters, or drainage, but excludes domestic wastewater and industrial wastes. Also called a "storm drain."
SEXUAL CONDUCTPatently offensive representations or descriptions of ultimate sexual acts, normal or perverted, actual or simulated, and patently offensive representations, descriptions or acts of masturbation, excretory functions, homosexuality, sodomy, sexual intercourse or physical contact with a person’s clothed or unclothed genitals, pubic area, buttocks or, if such person is female, breasts.
SHEET FLOWOverland water runoff in a thin uniform layer.
SIDEWALKThat portion of the road right-of-way outside the roadway that is improved for the use of pedestrian traffic.
SIGHT TRIANGLE FOR VISION CLEARANCEA triangular space at the street corner of a corner lot, free from any kind of obstruction to vision between the heights of three and 12 feet above the established street grade. The street grade is measured at the intersection of the center lines of the intersecting street pavements, and the triangular space is determined by a diagonal line connecting two points measured 15 feet along each of the street property lines equidistant from the intersection of the property lines or the property lines extended, at the corner of the lot.
SIGNAny structure or device used to attract attention by word or graphic display.
SIGN AREAThe entire area within a single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of writing, representation, emblem, or any figure or similar character, together with any frame or other material or color forming an integral part of the display or used to differentiate such sign from the background against which it is placed; excluding the necessary supports or uprights on which such sign is placed. The area of a sign having more than one display shall be computed as the total of the exposed exterior display surface area.
SIGN COPYThose letters, numerals, and figures, symbols, logos, and graphic elements comprising the content or message of a sign.
SIGN FACEThe surface of the sign upon, against or through which the message of the sign is exhibited.
SIGN HEIGHTThe height of a sign shall be the difference between the 1) elevation of the highest point of the sign, including the bracket, supports, and sign face surrounds, and 2) the elevation of the finished grade at the base of the sign or the elevation of the crown of the adjacent public street, whichever is highest.
SIGN, ABANDONEDA sign that is no longer intended to promote an active business or provide any message related to an active use of the property on which it is located.
SIGN, ACCESSA sign directing vehicular or pedestrian movement onto or within a premises with no identification or advertising on the sign.
SIGN, ADVERTISINGA sign that directs attention to a use, commodity or service not related to the premises on which the sign is located.
SIGN, BANNERA temporary sign constructed of canvas, plastic, fabric or similar lightweight, nonrigid material that can be mounted to a structure with cord, rope, cable, or a similar method. Where a banner sign is supported by stakes or another type of supporting structure for posting in the ground, such sign shall be classified as a "sign, yard."
SIGN, BUILDINGSigns that are attached to the building, including wall signs, projecting signs, awning signs, suspended signs, flag banner signs, and canopy signs.
SIGN, BULLETIN BOARDA structure containing a surface upon which is displayed the name of a religious institution, school or library, auditorium, stadium, athletic field or area of similar use for the announcement of services or activities to be held therein.
SIGN, CHANGEABLE COPYA sign designed so that the characters, letters or illustrations can be changed or rearranged manually or electronically without altering the sign display surface. May also be known as "readerboards." See also the definition of "electronic message center."
SIGN, CONSTRUCTIONA sign indicating the names of architects, engineers, contractors and similar persons involved in the design and construction of a structure or project.
SIGN, DRIVE-THROUGHAny signage allocated along a drive-through lane that is oriented toward the customer or user in the drive-through lane.
SIGN, ENTRANCEWAYA sign located on a door of or on an exterior wall or window within three feet of a primary exterior entranceway to the structure.
SIGN, FEATHERA temporary sign that is constructed of cloth, canvas, plastic, fabric or similar lightweight, nonrigid material and that is supported by a single vertical pole mounted into the ground or on a portable structure.
SIGN, FLAG BANNERAny rigid cloth, plastic or canvas sign with no enclosing framework that is mounted to a building at one or more edges or on a pole. Flags with noncommercial speech shall not be considered flag banner signs.
SIGN, FLASHINGAny illuminated sign on which the artificial light or any part thereof has conspicuous or intermittent variation in intensity or color.
SIGN, FREESTANDINGA sign suspended or supported by one or more uprights or braces in or upon the ground surface.
SIGN, GOVERNMENTALA sign erected at the side of or above roads to give instructions or provide information to road users.
SIGN, MONUMENTA permanent freestanding sign other than a pole sign, not attached to a building, that is placed upon or supported by the ground independently of any other structure, typically on a monument or pedestal structure. Unless otherwise stated, monument signs shall either be a pole sign or monument sign. A sign that is placed on two posts that are no more than two feet in height to the base of the sign cabinet or sign face shall be considered a monument sign for the purposes of this chapter.
SIGN, MOVINGAny sign that, in part or total, rotates, revolves or otherwise is in motion.
SIGN, NONCONFORMINGAny sign that was erected legally prior to the adoption of this code, but that does not comply with subsequently enacted sign restrictions and regulations or a sign that does not conform to the sign code requirements.
SIGN, PAINTED MURALA large picture/image (including but not limited to painted art) that is painted, constructed, or affixed directly onto a vertical building wall, that may or may not contain text, logos, and/or symbols.
SIGN, PERMANENTA sign permitted by this code to be located on the premises for an unlimited period of time and designed to be permanently attached to a structure or the ground.
SIGN, POLEA permanent freestanding sign supported by one or more uprights, poles or braces placed in or upon the ground surface and not attached to any building.
SIGN, PORTABLEA sign that is attached to wheels, skids, or other forms of mounting that is not permanently affixed in or to the ground.
SIGN, PROJECTINGA sign suspended from or supported by a building structure, or column and extending therefrom, more than 15 inches.
SIGN, ROOFAny sign that is erected over the roof or parapet above the roofline and/or receives any or all its support from the roof structure.
SIGN, SANDWICH BOARDA freestanding sign that is ordinarily in the shape of an "A" or some variation thereof, that is readily moveable, and is not permanently attached to the ground or any structure. See also the definition of "T-frame signs." Such signs are placed on a public sidewalk, private sidewalk, or similar walkway, in a manner established herein.
SIGN, SUSPENDEDA sign that is affixed beneath the roof of a canopy, awning, or outdoor form of a ceiling that maintains the minimum clearance requirements established in this code.
SIGN, TEMPORARYA banner, pennant, poster display or illustration that is affixed to or painted upon or represented directly or indirectly upon a building, structure or piece of land and that directs attention to an object, product, place, person, institution, organization or business and is constructed of cloth, canvas, plastic sheet, cardboard or other like materials and that is intended to be displayed for a limited period of time.
SIGN, WALLA sign that is affixed, painted on or attached to the wall of the building or other structure and that extends not more than 15 inches from the face of the wall.
SIGN, WARNINGAny sign indicating danger or a situation that is potentially dangerous.
SIGN, WINDOWA sign attached to, in contact with, placed upon or painted on the window or door of a building that is intended for viewing from the outside of such building. This does not include merchandise located in a window.
SIGN, YARDAny temporary sign placed on the ground or attached to a supporting structure, posts, or poles, that is not attached to any building.
SILLThe framing member that forms the bottom edge of the window opening.
SITEThe original tract of land that exists prior to any subdivision activity and that is the subject of a preliminary application for development, as defined by Chapter
183, Subdivision and Land Development.
SITE AREAThe total area of all lots, rights-of-way, easements, open space and other features contained within the boundaries of a site.
SITE DEVELOPMENT PLANThe written document or set of plans meeting the requirements of this code that provides information on the location of the area proposed for development, the site in relation to its general surroundings, and existing characteristics of the site, including limits of earth-disturbing activities.
SITE PLANA plan, drawn to scale, showing accurately and with complete dimensioning, the boundaries of a site and the location of all buildings, structures, uses and principal site development features proposed for a specific parcel of land. A site plan shall include a drawing, including a legal or site description, of real estate that shows the location and size of the following, both existing and proposed: all buildings, structures and yards; locations and dimensions of building lines and easements; widths and lengths of all entrances and exits to and from such real estate; and the locations of all adjacent or adjoining streets, service facilities, topography, drainage plan and other improvements, such as planting areas.
SLEEPING UNITA habitable room, or a group of two or more habitable rooms, not equipped with self-contained cooking facilities.
SLOPE (RELATED TO THE GROUND OR TOPOGRAPHY)The face of an embankment or cut section; any ground whose surface makes an angle with the plane of the horizon. Slope is usually expressed in a percentage based upon vertical differences in feet per 100 feet of horizontal distance.
SLOUGHINGA slip or downward movement of an extended layer of soil resulting from the undermining action of water or the earth-disturbing activity of man.
SOFFITA horizontal member that fills the gap between the exterior wall and the fascia.
SOIL LOSSSoil relocated on or removed from a given site by the forces of erosion and the redeposit of the soil at another site on land or in a body of water.
SOIL STABILIZATIONVegetative or structural soil cover controlling erosion, and includes permanent and temporary seed, mulch, sod, pavement, etc.
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEMA solar collection system consisting of one or more building- and/or ground-mounted systems, solar photovoltaic cells, panels or arrays and solar-related equipment that rely upon solar radiation as an energy source for collection, inversion, storage and distribution of solar energy for electricity generation. A solar PV system is a generation system with a nameplate capacity of not greater than 50 kilowatts if installed at a residential service or not larger than 3,000 kilowatts at other customer service locations and does not produce excess on-site energy greater than currently permitted by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission guidelines.
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV)-RELATED EQUIPMENTItems including a solar photovoltaic cell, panel or array, lines, mounting brackets, framing and foundations used for or intended to be used for collection of solar energy.
SOLAR-BASED ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTStructural/architectural element that provides protection from weather that includes awnings, canopies, porches or sunshades and that is constructed with the primary covering consisting of solar PV modules and may or may not include additional solar PV-related equipment.
SPECIAL EXCEPTIONAn authorized use that may be granted only by the Zoning Hearing Board in accordance with express standards and criteria specified in this chapter after public hearing.
SPECIFIED ANATOMICAL AREAS(1) Less than completely and opaquely covered human genitals, pubic region, buttock and female breasts below a point immediately above the top of the areola; and
(2) Human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state even if completely and opaquely covered.
SPECIFIED SEXUAL ACTIVITIES(1) Humans genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal;
(2) Acts, real or simulated, of human masturbation, sexual intercourse, sodomy, cunnilingus, or fellatio; or
(3) Fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttock, or female breasts.
STATIC/INSTANT MESSAGE CHANGEOn electronic message centers, when one message changes to another message instantly without scrolling, flashing, or other movement of the message.
STEEP SLOPEA slope over eighteen-percent grade, that is characterized by increased runoff, erosion and sediment hazards.
STOP-WORK ORDERAn order issued that requires that all work on the site must cease except work associated with bringing the site into compliance with the approved SWP3 or site development plan.
STORM DRAINAGE SYSTEMPublicly owned facilities by which stormwater is collected and/or conveyed, including but not limited to any roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, gutters, curbs, inlets, piped storm drains, pumping facilities, retention and detention basins, natural and human-made or altered drainage channels, reservoirs, and other drainage structures.
STORM FREQUENCYThe average period of time within which a storm of a given duration and intensity can be expected to be equaled or exceeded.
STORMWATERAny surface flow, runoff, and drainage consisting entirely of water from any form of natural precipitation and resulting from such precipitation.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENTRunoff water safely conveyed or temporarily stored and released at an allowable rate to minimize erosion and flooding.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN (SMP)The written document meeting the requirements of this Code that sets forth the plans and practices to be used to minimize stormwater runoff from a site and to safely convey or temporarily store and release post-development stormwater runoff at an allowable rate to minimize flooding and erosion.
STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN (RELATED TO SEWER)A document that describes the best management practices and activities to be implemented by a person or business to identify sources of pollution or contamination at a site and the actions to eliminate or reduce pollutant discharges to stormwater, stormwater conveyance systems, and/or receiving waters to the maximum extent practicable.
STORYThat portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above it, or if there is no floor above it, then the space between any floor and the ceiling next above it.
STORY, HALFThat portion of a building under a sloping, gable, hip or gambrel roof, the wall plates on at least two opposite exterior walls of which are not more than three feet above the floor level of such half story.
STREAMA body of water running or flowing on the earth’s surface or channel in which such flow occurs. Flow may be seasonally intermittent.
STREETA way designed for circulation of vehicular traffic, including the entire right-of-way and cartway, whether designated as a street, highway, thruway, thoroughfare, parkway, boulevard, road, avenue, lane, place, alley or the like.
STREET FRONTAGEThe distance for which the front boundary line of the lot and the street line are coincident.
STREET LINEA dividing line between a lot, tract or parcel of land and a contiguous street.
STREET, ARTERIALA major street that provides intracommunity travel and access to the county or regional highway system. Access to an arterial should be provided at collector and local streets.
STREET, COLLECTORA street that provides for distribution of traffic between major and local streets and abutting properties, including the principal entrance and circulation routes within residential subdivisions.
STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONAny change in the support members of a building, such as bearing walls, columns, beams or girders; changes in the means of ingress and/or egress; enlargement of floor area or height of a structure; or relocation of a structure from one position to another.
STRUCTURAL CONTROLSAny human-made facility, structure, or device that is constructed to provide temporary storage and/or treatment of stormwater runoff. Examples include retention and detention basins, rock check dams, swales, and constructed wetlands.
STRUCTUREAny man-made object having an ascertainable stationary location on or in land or water, whether or not affixed to the land.
STRUCTURE, TEMPORARYA use or structure permitted for limited duration with the intent that such use will terminate, or the structure will be removed automatically upon expiration of the fixed period of time. A temporary structure is without a foundation or footing.
SUBDIVISION(1) The division of any parcel of land shown as a unit or as contiguous units on the last preceding tax roll, into two or more parcels, sites, or lots, any one of which is less than five acres, for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of transfer of ownership; provided, however, that the division or partition of land into parcels of more than five acres not involving any new streets or easements of access, and the sale or exchange of parcels between adjoining lot owners, where such sale or exchange does not create additional building sites, shall be exempted; or
(2) The improvement of one or more parcels of land for residential, commercial, or industrial structures or groups of structures involving the division or allocation of land for the opening, widening, or extension of any street or streets except private streets serving industrial structures; the division or allocation of land as open spaces for common use by owners, occupants, or lease holders, or as easements for the extension and maintenance of public sewer, water, storm drainage or other public facilities. (See "minor subdivision.")
SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGEDamage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before damaged condition would equal or exceed 50% of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTAny reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure before the start of construction of the improvement. This term includes structures that have incurred substantial damage, regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not, however, include:
(1) Any improvement to a structure that is considered new construction;
(2) Any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of state or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications that have been identified prior to the application for a development permit by the local code enforcement official and that are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions; or
(3) Any alteration of an historic structure, provided that the alteration will not preclude the structure’s continued designation as an historic structure.
SURFACE AREA OF SIGNThat area enclosed by one continuous line, connecting the extreme points or edges of a sign. The area shall be determined using the largest sign area or silhouette visible at any one time from any one point. This area shall not include the main supporting sign structure, but all other ornamental attachments, inner connecting links, etc. that are not part of the main supports of the sign shall be included in determining the surface area of a sign. For two-sided signs, only one face is counted in computing the surface area. For signs that have poster panels mounted on a supporting structure with space between the poster panels, the area of each panel shall be computed as surface area of the sign, not including the space between the panels.
SURVEYORA registered land surveyor in the commonwealth.
SWALEA low-lying stretch of vegetated land that gathers and carries surface water.
TELEVISION DISH/ANTENNAEquipment found on the exterior of a residential property and comprising the part of the receiver by means of which the television signals are received.
TEMPORARY USE OR STRUCTUREAny use or structure that may be a principal use on a lot or accessory to an existing principal use on a lot intended to be used for six consecutive months or less.
TEMPORARY VEGETATIONShort term vegetative cover, such as oats, rye, or wheat, used to stabilize the soil surface until final grading and installation of permanent vegetation.
TENNIS COURTA rectangular area on which tennis is played, marked with lines and enclosed by a fence.
TENT-TYPE FOLD-OUT CAMPING TRAILERAny vehicle intended to be used, when stationary, as a temporary shelter with living and sleeping facilities, and that is subject to the following properties and limitations:
(1) A minimum of 25% of the fold-out portion of the top and sidewalls combined must be constructed of canvas, vinyl or other fabric, and form an integral part of the shelter.
(2) When folded, the unit shall not exceed:
(a) Fifteen feet in length, exclusive of bumper and tongue;
(b) Sixty inches in height from the point of contact with the ground;
(d) One ton gross weight at time of sale.
TENTATIVE APPROVALApproval prerequisite to final approval of a planned residential development granted by the Borough Council in accordance with Article IX of this chapter.
TERRAIN CLASSIFICATIONTerrain within the entire area of the preliminary plat is classified as level, rolling, hilly, or hillside for street design purposes. The classifications are as follows:
(1) LEVELThat land that has a cross slope range of 4% or less.
(2) ROLLINGThat land that has a cross slope range of more than 4% but not more than 8%.
(3) HILLYThat land that has a cross slope range of more than 8% but not more than 15%.
(4) HILLSIDEThat land that has a cross slope range of more than 15%.
TIME LIMITSTime limits designated within these regulations shall begin when applications for review are officially accepted or as otherwise stipulated in this chapter.
TOPSOILSurface and upper surface soils that presumably are darker colored, fertile soil materials, ordinarily rich in organic matter or humus debris.
TOWERA self-supporting, monopole, or guyed structure, constructed from grade, that supports personal wireless facilities. The term "tower" shall not include amateur radio operator’s equipment, as licensed by the FCC.
TRACKING SYSTEMA number of photovoltaic modules mounted such that they track the movement of the sun across the sky to maximize energy production, either with a single-axis or dual-axis mechanism.
TRAFFIC ANALYSISA report prepared by a qualified traffic engineer that details the nature and extent of trip generation expected to result from a proposed development based on the ratios and methodology contained in the current edition of the Manuals of the Institute of Transportation Engineers, including the current and projected capacities and levels of service of all streets and intersections within 1,000 feet of the proposed development.
TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OR CONTROL OF AN ADULT ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSMeans and includes any of the following:
(1) The sale, lease or sublease of the business;
(2) The transfer of securities that constitute a controlling interest in the business, whether by sale, exchange, or similar means; or
(3) The establishment of a trust, gift, or other similar legal device that transfers ownership or control of the business, except for transfer by bequest or other operation of law upon the death a person possessing the ownership or control.
TRANSPARENCYThe amount of glass and other transparent materials used in openings, such as doors and windows, to promote visual interest in storefronts, especially at the pedestrian level.
TRAVEL TRAILERA vehicular, portable structure built on a chassis, designed to be used as a temporary dwelling for travel, recreational and vacation uses, permanently identified "travel trailer" by the manufacturer.
TREEHOUSEA structure built in the branches of a tree for children to play in.
TRELLISESA framework of light wooden or metal bars, chiefly used as a support for fruit trees or climbing plants.
TRUCK CAMPERA non-self-propelled recreational vehicle without wheels for road use and designed to be placed upon and attached to a motor vehicle. "Truck camper" does not include truck covers that consist of walls and roof but do not have floors and facilities for using same as a dwelling.
UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKAny one or combination of tanks (including underground pipes connected thereto) that is used to contain an accumulation of regulated substances and the volume of which (including the volume of underground pipes connected thereto) is 10% or more beneath the surface of the ground. Flow-through process tanks and septic tanks approved by the Health Department or State Environmental Protection Agency, as applicable, are excluded from the definition of underground storage tanks.
USEAny activity, business or purpose for which any lot or structure is utilized.
USE PRINCIPAL PERMITTEDA use that is permitted outright in a district for which a zoning certificate shall be issued by the Zoning Officer, provided that the applicant meets the applicable requirements of the code.
USE, CHANGE OFThe change of activity of a building, structure or premise.
USE, CONDITIONALA use that is permitted in a district only if a zoning certificate therefor is expressly authorized by the Zoning Hearing Board.
USE, NONCONFORMINGAny building, structure, parking area, or premises legally existing or used at the time of adoption of this chapter, or any amendment thereto, and that does not conform to the use regulations of the district in which located. Any such building, structure, or premises conforming in respect to use but not in respect to height, area, yards, or courts, or distance requirements from more restricted districts or uses, shall not be considered a nonconforming use.
USE, TEMPORARYA use that is authorized by this Code to be conducted for a fixed period of time. Temporary uses are characterized by such activities as the sale of agricultural products, contractors’ offices and equipment sheds, fireworks, carnivals, flea markets, and garage sales.
UTILITY EASEMENTThe easement used for the maintenance of vehicle sight distances, the placement of stormwater drainage, sewer, water, natural gas, electric, telephone, cable television or other facilities or utilities, and for street maintenance.
UTILITY TRAILERAny single or dual axle nonmotorized vehicle used for transportation of equipment, vehicles, livestock and any other materials.
VARIANCEA departure from the strict letter of this chapter, as it applies to specific properties, as authorized by the Zoning Hearing Board in accordance with the terms of this chapter and the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.
VICINITY MAPA drawing located on the plat that sets forth by dimensions or other means, the relationship of the proposed subdivision or use to other nearby developments or landmarks and community facilities and services within the Borough in order to better locate and orient the area in question.
WALKWAYA dedicated public way, for pedestrian use only, whether along the side of a road or not.
WAREHOUSEA structure or part of a structure, for storing goods, wares and merchandise, whether for the owner or for others, and whether the same is a public or private warehouse.
WASTEWATERAny water or other liquid, other than uncontaminated stormwater, discharged from a facility.
WATER RESOURCEAll streams, lakes, ponds, wetlands, drainage systems, and all other water bodies or accumulations of surface water, natural or artificial, that are situated wholly or partially or border upon the jurisdiction, except those private waters that do not combine or affect or junction with natural surface waters.
WATERCOURSEAny natural or artificial waterway (including, but not limited to, streams, rivers, creeks, ditches, channels, canals, conduits, culverts, drains, waterways, gullies, ravines, or washes) in which waters flow in a definite direction or course either continuously or intermittently and including any area adjacent thereto that is subject to inundation by reason of overflow of floodwater.
WATERSHEDThe total drainage area contributing runoff to a single point.
WELLHEADThe source of a spring or stream.
WETLANDSSurface areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas (1987 Corp of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual).
YARDAn open space other than a court, on a lot, unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward.
YARD, FRONTA yard extending the full width of the lot, the depth of which is the horizontal distance between the front lot line and a line parallel to the front elevation of the principal structure.
YARD, FRONT (LEAST DEPTH)The shortest distance, measured horizontally, between any part of the building, and the front lot line.
YARD, FRONT, HOW MEASURED, LEAST DEPTHSuch depth shall be measured from the right-of-way line of the existing street on which the lot fronts; provided, however, that if the proposed location of the right-of-way line of such street as established on the thoroughfare plan differs from that of the existing street, then the required front yard least depth shall be measured from the right-of-way line of such street as designated on said thoroughfare plan.
YARD, REARA yard extending across the full width of the lot, the depth of which is the minimum distance between the rear lot line to the closest part of a principal building.
YARD, REAR (LEAST DEPTH)The average distance measured horizontally between any part of a building and the nearest rear lot line.
YARD, REQUIREDA space between a lot line and the buildable area within which no structure shall be located except as provided in this chapter.
YARD, SIDEAn open space extending from the front yard to the rear yard between a building and the nearest side lot line unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward except as hereinafter specified.
YARD, SIDE (LEAST DEPTH)The shortest distance, measured horizontally, between any part of a building, other than such parts hereinafter excepted, and the nearest side lot line.
YARD, SIDE, HOW MEASURED, LEAST WIDTHSuch width shall be measured from the nearest side lot line. On a corner lot when the side lot line is a side street lot line, the required side yard shall be the same as the required front yard of the lot adjacent thereto.
ZONING DISTRICTGeographic areas within the Borough in which the uses to which land can legally be utilized are designated and for which the boundaries are shown on the Zoning Map, that is part of this chapter.
ZONING HEARING BOARDThe Zoning Hearing Board of the Borough of Dormont, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. (See also "Board.")
ZONING MAPThe official map delineating the zoning districts of Dormont Borough, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, together with all amendments subsequently adopted.
ZONING OFFICERThe designated official or an authorized representative appointed by the Borough Council whose duty it shall be to administer this chapter.
ZONING PERMITThe document issued by the Borough Manager or their designee authorizing the use of lots, structures, uses of land and structures, and the characteristics of the uses.